The Design Diaries: Sally Wheat Interiors

Happy Monday!  I am thrilled to announce a new series on The Peak of Tres Chic: "The Design Diaries."  I will be interviewing noteworthy interior designers and sharing their work with you over the next several weeks.  Today I am kicking off this new series with Sally Wheat, of Sally Wheat Interiors.  

I was first introduced to Sally's work when it was featured on Made by Girl, and then I saw more on La Dolce Vita.  I was instantly drawn to the whimsical and colorful mix permeating from Sally's work.  

Sally is based in Houston, just like me, so I had the privilege of sitting down with her over coffee to pick her brain and learn more about her work.

What are 5 words that describe your style?

Eclectic, vintage, high/low, livable, & playful

How would you define your aesthetic?

I love mixing vintage with more modern pieces. Having something vintage in a room is so important to me- it makes a room memorable.

What does a typical day look like for you?

In the mornings I see my kids off to school, and then I like to catch up on emails. If I am meeting with a client, I like to do that in the mornings if possible.  I am very excited to be hosting a One Kings Lane sale this January, so I've been on the hunt for items for the sale.  I also have a booth at Memorial Antiques and Interiors, so most days I stop by there to check on things.  I also shop for clients during the day. I try to finish my day at 3:30, just in time to pick up the kids from school.  When I get home, I usually continue working from home doing internet sourcing and office type work.

How did you decide you wanted to be an interior designer?

It all started with the urging of my friends.  Two different friends called me within one day of each other, asking to hire me as their designer.  It was so coincidental that I felt it was meant to be!

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love accessorizing, and think it's so important in pulling together your design.  I love hunting for the perfect vintage pieces and incorporating them in unique ways. So many people stop once they get the big pieces in, but you have to finish up with the accessories!  They truly are like the "jewelry", they always make a room memorable.

Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?

I think now is the perfect time for budding designers to branch out on their own.  Start a blog, pinterest, facebook, or whatever you can and get your work out there for people to see.  With e-design, you can have clients all over the country if you'd like.

What are 3 items currently on your "bucket list"?

1.) I want to travel to Europe- specifically Italy!

2.) I want to foster homeless dogs while they're waiting for their forever home.

3.) I'd love to learn to cook well and actually learn to enjoy cooking!

How do you balance your home life with your work life?

I try to finish my work day at 3:30, just in time to pick up my kids.  I also office out of my home- which is convenient and let's me be at home even while working.  I have also learned to limit the number of clients I take on at one time.

I loved sitting down to talk with Sally and getting to know her better.  Learning how she has found a way to do what she is passionate about while also being there for her family inspired me.   In terms of design, her ability to mix pattern and color in a fresh, tailored way is so special and memorable.

I was excited to learn that as of late last week, Sally has now added a "shopping" tab to her website, where you can shop some of her fun furniture and decor pieces.  I already have my eye on a fur lucite bench.  And, as mentioned above, Sally will be hosting a One Kings Lane sale in January.  I will be sure to let you all know when it goes live, but to stay up to date on the latest, follow her Facebook page here and see more of her beautiful portfolio on her website here.

{all images by Laurie Perez Photography for Sally Wheat Interiors}